61Stefen Wisniewski C

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Raiders, C Stefen Wisniewski disagree on his value

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski is set to hit free agency after he and the team were unable to agree on a contract extension during the season, reports ESPN.com. Wisniewski has missed only three starts in his first four years.

Wisniewski, who made $938,000 in base salary last year, likely is looking for $3 million or more annually, the report said.

Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski appears ready to return to action from a right knee strain and play Sunday against Pittsburgh, per the Oakland Tribune. Wisniewski, who has been limited in practice this week, has missed the last two games.

Offensive coordinator Greg Olson did not downplay the importance of having Wisniewski back. "It's huge," he said. "He's such an important part of what's going on up front and making sure everybody is in the right place. It's a calming factor for me and everybody up front, and for the quarterback as well."

The return of a veteran presence could prove particularly valuable against the Steelers, who use a variety of zone blitzes.

Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski returned to practice Thursday after missing two games with a knee injury. But linemates Andre Gurode (knee) and Tony Pashos (hip) remained absent for the second straight day.

The Raiders included two offensive linemen among the team's inactive players for the Week 6 game at Kansas City Sunday. Tackle Menelik Watson (calf) and center Stefen Wisniewski (knee) were both ruled out Friday after failing to practice during the week.